EYC Foundation seeks to support exceptional students that have a passion for the maritime world, a love of life on the water, a respect for the marine environment and a dream of a lifetime career in the industry.
Today’s successful Marine & Maritime Scholarship program was designed to enhance EYCF’s Career Expo mission. Whereas the Expo is about helping students discover the countless possibilities for careers in the industry, the scholarship program is about supporting students that have made their decision and are on their way to making those careers happen.
Originally known as MAST (MArine Skills Training) Scholarships, the program was launched in 2015. That first year, 5 students were each awarded $700 per semester. Eight years later, in 2023 the program grew to 12 students that were initially promised $1000 for the semestser. Thanks to a generous donation from a Friend of the Foundation, EYCF was able to surprise recipients with news that their second semester award doubled to $2000. The generosity has continued and the Foundation has been able to sustain awards at the increased level.
Scholarship recipients that have completed their schooling and certifications are thriving all over the world today.
Nate Gifford
Massachusetts Maritime Academy – Marine Transportation major
During Nate’s junior year internship with Maersk Shipping Company he spent 80 days
living and working aboard a ship as a cadet. He traveled to multiple American ports then crossed the Atlantic Ocean twice visiting the ports of Belgium, The Netherlands, and Germany.
James Ronayne
Cornell University – Environment & Sustainability major
James is studying the invasive Blue Catfish. This spring he and friends targeted the fish in the Chesapeake Bay. They caught hundreds of pounds then made them available to local markets and restaurants. Back at school he is researching the feasibility of using the fish as sustainable lobster and crab bait.
Will Arnone is a Deck Officer traveling the East Coast on a tug boat for Stasinos Marine
Dylan Bender is a Third Mate aboard a National Science Foundation research vessel. In recent months he’s traveled to Chile, French Polynesia and Antarctica
Luke Carter is working in the Design Department at Winter Custom Yachts in North Carolina
Teleri Wilt is a Third Mate working on Roll-on/Roll-off cargo ships all over the world
This newly created scholarship fund honors the life and spirit of Sam Sheeder – a young man who loved the water and embodied resilience, kindness, and adventure. Sam faced challenges in life, yet his determination and heart touched everyone who knew him. His story is an inspiration about overcoming adversity, second chances and how support from others can be life changing.
By supporting this fund, you help turn challenges into opportunities and keep Sam’s legacy alive in the community and on the water.
Sam was the son and stepson of EYC members, Frank and Nancy Sheeder.
Hails from: Severna Park, MD
Worked as a sailing instructor, honed his skills at area sailing and seamanship schools, while also participating on his high school wrestling, football, and track teams. As a freshman he will study Marine Engineering at Maine Maritime Academy.
Hails from: Deltaville, VA
Grew up boating and sailing and worked as a cadet aboard the roll-on/roll-off motor vessel Green Wave this summer. In his upcoming senior year at Maine Maritime Academy, he is studying Marine Engineering, with minors in Naval Architecture and Math.
Hails from: Annapolis, MD
Started young on the water in a junior sailing program. He worked at West Marine. As a freshman at Maine Maritime Academy, he will study International Business & Logistics, and is considering a career in Maritime Law.
Hails from: Annapolis, MD
Volunteered with Annapolis Maritime Museum and Severn River Association. A high school Marine Technology course sparked his interest in exploring it as a career. He is the recipient of the Foundation’s new Sam Sheeder Scholarship that spotlights those that have worked hard to overcome adversity. The freshman at Massachusetts Maritime Academy will study Marine Engineering.
Hails from: Annapolis, MD
Worked as an apprentice Marine Engine Technician at Safe Harbor, Annapolis through the Center of Applied Technology South high school program. The freshman at Maine Maritime Academy will study Marine Engineering.
Ocean Engineering
Marine Transportation
Marine Biology
Environmental Studies
Marine Transportation
Marine Transportation
Environment, Sustainability, and Marine Biology
The Marine & Maritime Scholarship program is chaired by Mike Morris
Reach him at: MMScholarships@eycfoundation.org
